Deputy Director, Commissioner Support (Director I)

Please paste the following URL into a browser to view the entire job posting on the CAPPS Careers page.https://erphcmprd.cpa.texas.gov/psp/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS\_HRAM\_FL.HRS\_CG\_SEARCH\_FL.GBL?Page=HRS\_APP\_JBPST\_FLandAction=UandFOCUS=ApplicantandSiteId=1andJobOpeningId=106264andPostingSeq=1Agency InformationThe Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state. Core ValuesWe are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them. Job DescriptionThe Deputy Director, Commissioner Support, plays a critical role in advancing the strategic priorities of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) through high-level program management, support of the Commissioner and his outreach activities, engagement with stakeholders on his behalf and coordination across the agency. Reporting to the Chief of Staff for the Commissioner of Education, this position supports the Commissioner of Education and agency-wide initiatives by coordinating cross-divisional efforts, managing strategic priorities, supporting stakeholder engagement, and overseeing select agency-level programs and contracts. The role requires advanced managerial skills, confidential work, independent judgment, event and meeting coordination and a strong ability to align operations with TEA's mission and strategic goals. In addition, this role collaborates frequently with executive-level staff across the agency, including Deputy Commissioners and Associate Commissioners as well as the Media Relations Director and the Chief of Governmental Relations.This position is based in Austin, Texas. In-person work at the William B. Travis Building is required at least four days per week.This position requires up to 10% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities.A resume and completed short-answer responses are required as part of the application process. Incomplete applications will not be considered.Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.1. Lead stakeholder engagement and strategic events management for the Commissioner of Education: This position leads planning and execution of external engagements for the Commissioner, including stakeholder engagement and coordination, briefing materials, and strategic events management and advance support. This position ensures that the Commissioner's external engagements are aligned with agency priorities and executed with excellence. The Deputy Director oversees the Commissioner's executive assistant to ensure timely and accurate delivery of high-level requests and communications.2. Provide strategic support to the Communications and Governmental Relations divisions: This position facilitates cross-agency coordination for the Commissioner through collaboration on the legislative and public-facing initiatives involving the Governmental Relations and Communications divisions. This includes managing workflows, developing tools and templates, facilitating training and meetings, and ensuring timely, high-quality deliverables for external stakeholders specifically focused on Communications and GR request and needs. Oversees select processes such as Commissioner briefing materials for meetings and events and collaborates on larger agency-wide projects such as the LBB Strategic Plan. Provides consultative support year-round to ensure alignment with agency priorities and responsiveness to legislative, policymaker and public-facing needs.3. Manage operational programs and contracts: This position oversees select contracts and programs, including vendor relationships and compliance with procurement standards. Tracks progress, evaluates risks, maintains cost estimates, and collaborates with vendors and internal staff to meet deadlines and deliverables.4. Support Office of the Commissioner Executive Leadership Team: Provides operational consultation to the Chief of Staff and executive leaders within the Office of the Commissioner. This includes implementing process improvements, advancing cross-divisional collaboration, identifying and mitigating project risks, and providing consultative guidance on operational initiatives.5. Supervise staff and drive performance excellence: Directly supervises the Commissioner's Executive Assistant and may oversee additional staff or contractors. Provides ongoing guidance, coaching, and performance feedback to support delivery of high-quality work aligned with agency priorities. Establishes clear expectations and supports the professional development of team members in a high-performing and collaborative work environment.QualificationsMinimum QualificationsEducation: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework or work experience in education, public administration, government, public policy, or a related field is required. Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in public sector operations, legislative coordination, or cross-functional team leadership is required, including at least two (2) years of experience in project management or event management. Substitutions: Each addition